A Fundraiser for Ukraine

What can we do about the horror of Bucha, Mariupol, and the Azovstal Steel Mill?

A lot of people I talk to feel powerless. We’re on the other side of the world, and frankly, our government’s response has been the weakest in the West.

A few Kiwis have taken initiative, raising money and taking in refugees. This is another such opportunity, aiming to raise $20,000 for our Ukrainian friends.

What: Dinner at La Vista restaurant, hosted by Nataliya Shchetkova with special guest Maria Semykoz by Zoom.

When: Tuesday 31 May, 6.30pm.

Where: La Vista Restaurant

Who: Maria Semykoz is a personal friend of mine who lost her father to Putin’s invasion while he was crossing the street in his home town. She and her husband have raised millions of dollars to get equipment and aid into Ukraine since February. Maria will give a first-hand account of what is happening and how she and others outside the country are helping.

Nataliya Shchetkova is a Ukrainian immigrant who runs La Vista restaurant. I got to know her when Immigration New Zealand outrageously tried to deport her family

Why: To raise $20,000 plus for Ukraine, specifically for Volodomyr Zelensky’s fund United24

Price: $500 per plate

How it works: Our goal is to raise at least $20,000 for Zelensky’s fund. We are using ACT’s booking system, and will donate proceeds to the fund set up by Volodomyr Zelensky. $50 per ticket will go to La Vista. Nataliya would love to do this event for free but, like the rest of the hospitality industry, has had to dig deep just to survive the past two years.